MISSION STATEMENT
To create and enhance an awareness and understanding of artistic, cultural, and aesthetic differences utilizing the framework of African-American Arts and Letters. To promote, foster, cultivate, perpetuate and preserve the Arts and Letters of African-Americans in the Fine, Literary and Performing Arts.

TBAAL is a multi-discipline arts organization whose mission is to create and enhance an awareness and understanding of artistic, cultural and aesthetic differences utilizing the framework of African, African-American and Caribbean Arts and Letters. Additionally, its purpose is to promote, foster, cultivate, perpetuate and preserve the Arts and Letters of Africans, African-Americans and Caribbean in the Fine, Literary and Performing Arts.
TBAAL's is in the midst of its 33rd Season which began September 2009 and runs through August 2010.
July 17, 1977, Curtis King founded this art institution on his dining room table with a personal investment of $250.
TBAAL was grown out of the New York City based, Black Academy of Arts and Letters in 1969.
Now based in Dallas, Texas, TBAAL is housed in a 250,000 sq. ft. facility (In the heart of downtown in the Dallas Convention Center).
TBAAL is the only arts institution and African American organization housed in a major urban convention center in the nation.
Our facility has 2 theatres (Naomi Bruton Main Stage - seats 1800 and Clarence Muse Cafe Theatre - seats 250), costume shop, 5 large banquet/meeting rooms, gallery, gift shop, administrative offices, etc.
We have a full-time staff of 16 employees, a 9 member board of directors and operate with over 100 volunteers.